Crutch attachment



June 11, 1929; H. F. FRANTZ CRUTCH ATTACHMENT Filed July 15, 1926 ff, Igvn antoc 2%?" wa @,@W

Patented June 11, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HARRY F. FRAN'IZ, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

CRUTCI-I ATTACHMENT.

Application filed July 13,

The present invention relates to improvements in crutch attachments, andhas particular reference to. an attachment for the tread end thereof.

An important object of the invention is to provide a convertible tipconstruction which may be arranged for ordinary use under fair weatherconditions, and adjusted so as to present an anti-slipping tip underadverse weather conditions.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an anti-slippingattachment for crutches and the like, designed for adjustment on thetread end of the crutch to operative or inoperative position.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a crutch attachmentof the above character, wherein is provided an adjustable anti-slippingmember which can be durably arranged in any desired adjustable position.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a crutchattachment which will be simple and durable of construction, convenientof adjustment and which can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent asthe description of the invention progresses.

In the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification and inwhich like reference characters are employed to designate correspondingparts throughout the same- Figure 1 is a central longitudinal sectionalView through a crutch tip showing a form of the invention,

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional View taken on the line 22 of Figure1.

Figure 3 is a similar view taken on the line 3-8 of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration isshown a preferred and two modified forms of my invention, the numeral 10generally designates the lower tread end of a crutch stick ofconventional construction provided at its lower eX- tremity with acommon form of tip 11. This tip is usually constructed of rubber so asto provide a resilient cushioning element and arrangement forreplacement when neces sary.

An exteriorly screw-threaded ferrule 20 is rigidly secured upon thecrutch stick above 1326. Serial No. 122,209.

the rubber tip and is adapted to engage an anti-slipping member 21. Theupper cylindrical portion of the anti-slipping member is interiorlyscrew-threaded as at 22 and adapted for engagement with the threadedferrule 20. This anti-slipping member is also provided with an outwardlyflared downward projection 23 having pointed spurs 24 formed at itslower edge. This structure may be readily adjusted by rotatable movementof the anti-slipping member wherein the same will be elevated or loweredin a suitable position. Thus, to adjust the anti-slipping member to anelevated position out of contact with the ground, the same isrotatably-actuated in a right-hand direction andto lower the same intooperative position, the same is rotated in the opposite direction.

From the foregoing description, it is readily apparent that aconveniently adjustable and compact crutch attachment has been produced,designed particularly to provide an adjustable anti-slipping devicewhich may be carried in an elevated inoperative position when the crutchis employed in its ordinary capacity upon dry surfaces. A primarycharacteristic of the present structure is the compact formation of theanti-slipping memher which may be attached for permanent carriage uponthe crutch staff and capable of quick adjustment for operativeconnection when desirable. It'is to be-noted that any well known type ofset-screw may be mounted in the anti-slipping member for tightlysecuring the same in proper adjusted posi tion.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown anddescribed is to be taken as a preferred example of the .same andthat/various changes as to the shape, size and arrangement of parts maybe resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or thescope of the subjoined claim.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim An anti-slipping device forcrutches, com prising a ferrule sleeve adapted to be secured upon thetread end of the crutch and consisting of a straight cylindrical crutchreceiving portion and a substantially frusto-conical portion projectinglongitudinally therefrom for the reception of a crutch tip, screwthreads formed about said crutch receiving portion, an anti-slippingmember comprising a relatively long sleeve body consisting of a straightportion of constant diameter throughout, screw threads formed upon theinner surface of the straight portion for engagement over the crutchreceiving portion, the remaining portion of said anti-slipping memberbeing of gradually increasing diameter from the point of joinder thereofWith the straight portion to the free end thereof, and ground engagingspurs formed about the end edge of the said remaining portion.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

HARRY F. FRANTZ.

